National Survey Reveals Only 18% Of Employers Cover GLP-1 Drugs
As consumers are clamoring for access to pricey GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, employers are feeling the need to modify or update their plans to accommodate new demands and costs.
KFF’s 2024 Employer Health Benefits Survey analyzed responses from 2,142 interviews with non-federal public and private firms to determine if employers are covering GLP-1s. Read Full Article…
Summary
- Limited Employer Coverage: According to KFF’s 2024 Employer Health Benefits Survey, only 18% of employers currently cover GLP-1 medications, with larger organizations more inclined to offer coverage—28% of large firms reported doing so—highlighting a disparity based on employer size.
- Low Likelihood of Expansion: Among the majority of employers not covering GLP-1s, 62% indicated they are not likely to introduce this benefit in 2024, largely due to concerns over the high cost of these medications and uncertainty around long-term return on investment.
Conditional Coverage Requirements: For the subset of employers providing GLP-1 coverage for obesity treatment, 53% require employees to meet specific prerequisites, such as enrolling in case management or participating in structured weight-loss or lifestyle programs, emphasizing a focus on behavioral support alongside medication.
The following is a Public Service Announcement for 18% of plan sponsors facing the difficult task of discontinuing coverage of GLP-1 drugs:
If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot afford to continue to pay for GLP-1 drugs, it’s important to express this in a polite and respectful manner. Here are 10 alternative ways to say ‘I can’t afford it – I’m Mad As Hell And I’m Not Going To Take It Anymore!’:
- LISTEN UP! I don’t have the budget for it
- It’s not within my financial means. DO YOU HEAR ME!
- I’m unable to purchase it at this time. NOW GET BACK TO WORK!
- It’s beyond my financial capabilities. BECAUSE IT IS.
- I’m not in a position to afford it. MY LOTTERY TICKET WAS A DUD.
- It’s out of my price range. AND IT WILL REMAIN THAT WAY!
- I’m not able to afford the cost BECAUSE IT’S TOO DAMN HIGH!
- It’s not in my financial situation to buy it. AND I WON’T!
- I’m currently unable to afford it. WHAT DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?
- I don’t have the funds for it. NEIGHER DO YOU!
Each of these alternatives conveys the same message as ‘I can’t afford it,’ but in a more polite and professional manner (Leave out the “I’m Mad As Hell comment). It’s important to remember to be respectful and honest when expressing your financial limitations.
